Pitching for Platelets is Bigger & Better than Ever!
Calling all platelet donors! Now is your time to step up to the plate and save lives. The Pitching for Platelets experience, in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds, returns this year to offer even more to our platelet donors. This rare opportunity is reserved for loyal, Hoxworth platelet donors to shine on the grand stage of Major League Baseball inside our own Great American Ball Park!
All platelet donors that give 3 or more times from April 1 – May 31 will win a VIP experience at a Reds game in July.
Each qualifying platelet donor will receive:
- A ticket for you and a guest
- Free parking provided by SP+
- A chance to throw out the first pitch
- Special recognition during the game
- A visit from the Reds mascot(s)
- And more!
When you think spring in Cincinnati you think of the Reds. It’s very fitting to bring two Cincinnati staples – The Reds and Hoxworth- together to save lives. The Reds are a fantastic mission partner.
Dr. David Oh Interim Co-Director, Chief Medical Officer, Hoxworth Blood Center
Did You Know?
- A platelet donor can give every 14 days. The automated process separates the platelets from your red cells and plasma - returning your red cells and most plasma back to the donor.
- Platelets only have a shelf life of 5-7 days, meaning they are transfused for a local patient almost immediately after each donation.
- Platelets are essential for preventing excessive bleeding in patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, organ transplants, and those with blood disorders.
- Hoxworth needs at least 50 platelet donors each day to meet the demand of local hospitals.
A typical platelet donation takes roughly 90 minutes from start to finish and platelet donors are eligible to give every two weeks. Platelet appointments are available seven days a week at Hoxworth’s seven Neighborhood Donor Centers located in Anderson, Blue Ash, Clifton (Central), Ft. Mitchell KY, West Chester (North), Tri-County, and Western Hills (West).
We can’t wait to see you there—schedule all 3 donations today!
Past Pitching for Platelets Winner!
Congratulations to our incredible 2024 Pitching for Platelets winner, Jim Ruschman! 🎉 Jim has been a dedicated donor since 2017, inspired by his son, Jared (the catcher), who started donating in high school. He continues his generous donations in honor of his mother. Until this past April, Jim was a whole blood donor, but now he’s fully embraced donating platelets, just in time to qualify for Pitching for Platelets! A Hoxworth donor for 7+ years, Jim has donated over 2 gallons! The staff had always encouraged Jim to try platelet donation, and now he has the time to make a difference. He’s already donated four more times! Jim was thrilled and deeply honored to participate in this event, even delaying his family vacation to seize this "once in a lifetime" opportunity! Thank you, Cincinnati Reds, for celebrating our #HometownHero! 🏆👏❤️ Join us in celebrating Jim’s amazing journey and dedication! Together, We're Saving Lives Close to Home.
